Installing a wood-burning stove can be a great way to add warmth to the home while reducing heating costs. This not only adds warmth but also creates a nice ambience. They are the best choice for households located in extreme cold conditions and give more warmth than an open fire.
However, the installation process involves important steps that need to be followed carefully to ensure safety. This article explores key steps involved in installing a wood-burning stove.
Permits and Regulations
Firstly, it is important to follow safety measures and obtain the necessary permits when planning to install a wood-burning stove. Because the process is highly regulated, homeowners should consult their county or state authority before purchasing a wood stove.
The potential wood stove must be certified according to both state and federal emissions performance standards. The US Environmental Protection Agency maintains an EPA Certified Wood Stove Database. This should be consulted to determine whether the wood stove you plan to buy has been certified by the EPA. The installation might also require a mechanical permit from the county or city permitting authority.
How to Install a Wood-Burning Stove?
Find the Right Location
The stove must be installed in a location that provides even heat throughout the space. It should also vent efficiently and maintain a safe distance from flammable materials. When it comes to clearances, most stoves need at least 150mm clearance at the sides. Additionally, they need 300mm clearance in front of the stove opening.
Airflow is another important consideration. It is best to avoid tight alcoves or sealed corners, as proper airflow helps combustion and prevents smoke spillage. For the best focal point, the central walls or the existing chimney breasts make good anchor points.
Install the Non-Combustible Floor Pad and Wall Protection
The homeowner needs to review the installation instructions that come with the wood stove to determine the appropriate floor protection. There are two types of floor protection: type 1 is ember protection, and type 2 is thermal protection. Usually, wood stoves require type 2 floor protection when installed on combustible floors.
Once the stove location has been selected, the size of the floor protection must be determined in accordance with UL 1482. This requires 16 inches of floor protection in front of the stove and 8 inches on each side. They often come with manufacturer guidelines that specify the required floor protection thickness of material needed. Usually, a hearth pad or stove board offers sufficient floor protection.
When it comes to wall protection, the manufacturer's instructions also provide details of the minimum distance required between the stove and any combustible walls. This can be exempted if homeowners are outside the clearances. If the stove should be positioned closer to the wall, a hearth pad can be installed.
Create a Roof Opening for the Stove Pipe
- Use a laser level plumb bob function or a string plumb bob to mark the centre point where the stove pipe will exit on the ceiling.
- Use a reciprocating saw or a manual drywall jab saw to cut the opening of the stove pipe.
- Insulation must be removed at this point.
- Drive a screw upward through the roof deck at the marked centre point until it reaches the shingles on top.
- Now position the roof flashing down, so that the screw from below is centred in the flashing. Then, mark a hole for the ceiling support box.
- Lastly, make sure to cut through the shingles and the roof deck plywood or OSB.
Install Roof Flashing
This creates a waterproof seal as the chimney pipe exits through the roof. For pitched roofs, an oval-shaped opening is required to maintain clearance around the pipe. On a traditional shingle roof, use a metal cutting blade to cut the nails from underneath the shingles on the top half of the hole cut in the roof.
This allows the flashing to slide beneath the shingles on the top half. Apply outdoor waterproof silicone to the underside of the flashing before tucking it under the shingles. After this, seal around the entire perimeter with another bead of silicone.
Add the Storm Collar to the Stove Pipe
Continue installing the top sections of the chimney pipe in a telescoping manner until it is 36 inches or higher above the roof. Place the protective storm collar over the top of the pipe and seal the storm collar to the pipe using a sufficient amount of fire-grade silicone sealant. Complete the roof work by attaching the stove pipe cap to the top of the chimney pipe.
Install the Wood Stove
Place the wood stove on the prepared hearth, ensuring that its outlet aligns directly below the ceiling support box.
Install Necessary Safety Devices
Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms must be installed around the room containing the wood stove. This ensures safety and provides early warning signs of any dangerous conditions. This protects both the home and its occupants.
Conclusion
Installing wood-burning stoves can be very simple in some cases but very difficult in others. Homeowners can hire professionals to finish the installation process, thereby making it a hassle-free experience for them. While installing, it is important to follow all local and national building codes.
